Strengthening Australia’s biosecurity through focused training

Charles Sturt University and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have partnered to establish a Biosecurity Training Centre (BTC) to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity. The BTC, established on Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus, began operation in July 2022. The centre delivers foundational training for DAFF frontline biosecurity staff, and specialist training for development of their experienced staff.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the BTC will utilise the university’s teaching and research strengths to increase Australia’s preparedness against biosecurity threats.

“Charles Sturt University is a national leader in both the agriculture and biosecurity fields, with capabilities which align with and contribute to the sector’s stated goal of growing the country’s agricultural production to $100 billion by 2030,” Professor Leon said.

Over the next five years, the BTC will be an important feature of Charles Sturt’s plan to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity capabilities by providing

training that is responsive to the shifting environment of biosecurity threats

a focal point for harnessing the partnerships and collaborations with the research sector, with industry, and with Australia’s near neighbours.